Bali mob attack thief who stole tourist’s handbag

Bali mob attack thief who stole tourist’s handbag

A SHOCKING video has emerged of a thief being brutally beaten by a mob of locals in Bali.

The footage was taken in Padang Padang, Uluwatu, by Balinese resident Luigi Balifu, who said it came after two youths grabbed a tourist’s handbag.

Posting the video on social media, he wrote: “There was a French girl crying in the middle of the street and saying that she just had her handbag snatched by two young boys with their scooter.

“After 30 seconds the two thieves were passing in the same road. I put myself in the middle of the street and they pointed at me and they started to accelerate more.”

Mr Balifu said he managed to dodge the scooter and tried to punch the thieves, but was unable to make them fall, The Sun reports.

He added: “The Balinese people started to shout saying ‘Maling’ (thieves) and one local guy started to follow them. After three minutes he was able to catch them and we were brought to the place where the thieves were.”

In the footage, one of the two youths can be seen being kicked and punched by the baying mob.

Passersbys seem to take turns to attack the bag thief, who cowers on the ground until the local police arrive and drag him away.

Mr Balifu said: “The video shows what happens if you steal in Bali. If you want you can share the video so people will think twice before stealing. And women please be careful if you are alone and bringing a handbag.”

WARNING: VIDEO BELOW CONTAINS VIOLENCE

The video drew mixed reactions from people on social media.

One Facebook user, Sheila Vitti, said: “They should have the same procedure in Canggu, where this happening all the time.”

Another, John Bergman, commented: “That’s what you should get for bringing shame on your own people! Nice work!”

But others were less happy.

Sarah le Kali said: “I’m sorry but I don’t agree with this barbaric punishment nor see what it’s done to help reduce crime in Bali..

“I’ve witnessed a few beatings in my time living in Bali but guess what? The thieves are still thieving!”